Extra ale will flow at beer festival (From Warrington Guardian)

Extra ale will flow at beer festival

REAL ale lovers have 20 new beers to sample and savour at a fledgling ale festival.

Neil Pile was anxious about the level of support for the first mini beer festival in Congleton in 2003.

In the event he was delighted with the numbers coming along to Congleton Leisure Centre to try the beers on offer.

A fourth night was added to last year's festival, and the 2005 ale extravaganza is being held again over four evenings, from March 9 to 12.

About 600 people, young and old, men and women, supported the 2004 festival, and this year's event offers 20 new beers.

They include March Hare by Downton Brewing Company and Six Nations by Caledonian Brewery to tie in with the rugby championships.

Among the breweries represented are Storm Brewing from Macclesfield, the new Cheshire-based Woodlands Brewery, and Titanic Brewery from the Potteries.

The line-up takes in light, dark and strong beers, stouts and porters, with mild being dropped from the list.

Each evening runs from 7pm to 11pm, with admission at the bargain price of £1, for which you receive a glass and programme.

"I like to offer a good mixture of different strength beers, and ones which people have not seen around," said Neil, who looks after the cask ales at the leisure centre and chooses the festival beers.

"People who come along like the different beers and the friendly atmosphere."

The beers are served by CAMRA members and their friends, for more details ring 01260-271552.